All students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics must receive approval by the school nurse before they may begin practice. Prior to each season, the student must sign up for their desired sport in the Health Office. The student will be notified at that time if a physical exam is needed. Your family physician or the school health staff may do annual sports physicals. You are encouraged to have your family physician conduct your child’s sports physical at the time of their annual check-up because they know your child’s health history, and can best evaluate their fitness for sports.
If your child has a health problem such as asthma, diabetes, an orthopedic condition, seizure disorders, allergy to insect bites, etc., please have your family physician note the condition and any instructions relative to sports participation.
PHYSICAL BY PRIVATE PHYSICIANS
If you choose to have your family physician conduct the physical, please keep the following in mind:
- Remember that it may take several weeks to schedule an appointment with your physician. Plan accordingly.
- Ask your physician to complete the East Greenbush Central School District physical form at the time of the examination.
- Return completed physical forms to the Health Office as soon as possible.
SCHOOL SPORTS PHYSICALS
If a school physical is desired, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible. The school physicals are done based on availability. The New York State Education Department states that the results of a physical shall be valid for qualifying a student’s sports participation for a period of twelve continuous months.
CERTIFICATION
Certification is the initial clearance given each time a physical has been conducted less than 30 days prior to the first day of practice. The certification process consists of a review of the athlete’s physical and health record by the school nurse. If necessary, the student will be informed of any additional information required prior to authorization of any practice.
HEALTH HISTORY REVIEW
Any student who has had a physical within 12 months, but who is trying out for a sport more than 30 days after the physical has been given, requires re-certification by the school nurse before the start of each sport season. All students must return an interval health history/permission form completed within 30 days prior to each sport. The re-certification process involves reviewing the athlete’s health record and interview by the school nurse. If necessary, the student will be informed of any additional information required prior to authorization of any practice. Once this process has been completed, the student is medically eligible for participation. No participation in any sport will be authorized without certification by the school nurse. Participation in more than one sport requires re-certification for each sport.
INJURY/ILLNESS
A student who has an illness that results in an absence from sport participation for more than five days, or any sports related injury requiring medical care, must be re-certified by physician. A return to sports will be authorized when a written medical release from the physician is presented to the school nurse. If there are any doubts, concerns or questions, the student may be withheld from participation until approved by the school physician.